Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam at the British Museum – in pictures

One of the five pillars of Islam, hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime, if they are able. A major new exhibition at
the British Museum charts the history of this deeply personal journey. Here is a selection of key art works and artefacts from the show

Wednesday 25 January 2012 10.21 EST

The Ka'ba in Mecca shown as the centre of the world – illustration from Tarih-i Hind-i Garbi (Turkey, 1650)

The exhibition examines the significance of the hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, exploring its importance for Muslims and looking at the historical evolution of this spiritual journey

Bird's-eye view of Mecca with the Grand Mosque and shrine of Muhammad in the centre, by Carl Ponheimer (1803)

Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam examines three key strands of the faith: the pilgrim’s journey, with an emphasis on the major routes used (from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East); the hajj today and its associated rituals; and Mecca, the destination of hajj, its origins and importance

It was in Mecca that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations in the early 7th century. The city has long been viewed as a spiritual centre and the heart of Islam. The qibla is the direction Muslims all over the world must face in prayer, towards Mecca

Red silk mahmal, 4m high

The mahmal was a canopied litter, sent by the rulers of Egypt with a caravan of pilgrims travelling to Mecca; their journey was made in honour of a pilgrimage made by a medieval sultan's wife, Shajaret-ed-DurrPhotograph: Christopher Phillips/Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art (Khalili Family Trust)

Painting from a copy of the Anis ul-Hujjaj, a guide to pilgrimage (Mughal India, c1677-80)

Water bottle made of Chinese porcelain containing Zamzam water (19th century)

The objects in the exhibition document the long and perilous journey associated with the hajj, including gifts offered to the sanctuary as acts of devotion and souvenirs – such as water from the holy Zamzam well in MeccaPhotograph: The Trustees of the British Museum